Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
23m
Distance
16.8 mi
27 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Smyrna, DE
Wikimedia Commons
Camden, DE
Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for a quick commute within Delaware, the 16.8-mile trip from Smyrna to Camden is a straightforward, 23-minute journey. Because of the short distance, this drive is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stays. You will navigate primarily via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, the Puncheon Run Connector, and South Dupont Highway. Budgeting about $3 for fuel makes this an incredibly economical trip for your local travel plans. Since both towns reside in the Northeast region, you won't experience major environmental or cultural shifts, keeping the drive simple and efficient. It is an ideal route if you need to move between these two points quickly without the complexity of a long-distance haul.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
8.4 miles from Smyrna, DE
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 11m into the drive .
Expect a turn-heavy, local-focused driving experience that demands your attention more than a standard interstate cruise. You will spend your longest uninterrupted segment covering 10.9 miles on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Despite the highway usage, this route maintains a zero-percent highway share, meaning you are dealing with local road dynamics throughout the trip. The transition from the memorial highway onto the Puncheon Run Connector and South Dupont Highway keeps the drive engaging as you navigate the local infrastructure. You will find that the personality of the road shifts from open stretches to more technical, turn-heavy sections as you approach your destination.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
65 ft
Total Descent
58 ft
Highest Point
57 ft
~13.3 mi in
Elevation Range
40 ft
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Smyrna, DE to Camden, DE is easy. At 23m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Smyrna, DE to Camden, DE is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Main Street | — | — |
| South Dupont Boulevard | — | — |
| DE 1 | — | — |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | — | — |
| Puncheon Run Connector | — | — |
| South Dupont Highway | — | — |
| East Camden Wyoming Avenue | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Step-by-step road directions between Smyrna, DE and Camden, DE.
Start on East South Street
Turn left onto South Main Street
Merge slight left onto South Dupont Boulevard
Take the exit left toward DE 1 Toll: Dover, Beaches, Wilmington
Keep slight right to continue on DE 1 Toll South: Dover, Beaches
Merge slight left onto Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Keep slight left to continue on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Keep slight right to continue on Puncheon Run Connector
Turn left onto South Dupont Highway
Turn right onto East Camden Wyoming Avenue
Arrive at your destination
Given the 23-minute duration, you have total flexibility regarding your departure time, as traffic patterns are unlikely to derail your schedule significantly. Since there are zero planned stops, you should ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave to take full advantage of the low $3 estimated cost. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider timing your departure to avoid peak local commuting hours to keep the turn-heavy sections manageable. Because the total distance is under 17 miles, you can easily treat this as a quick errand or a simple point-to-point transit. Make sure to stay alert when transitioning between the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and the local connectors, as these intersections require quick navigation adjustments.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 16.8 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 8.4 miles or 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Camden, DE than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Smyrna, DE.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Smyrna, DE
This is one driving day of about 16.8 miles and 23m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 8.4 mi from Smyrna, DE · 11m into the drive
A short stop after about 16.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 8.4 miles from Smyrna, DE, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Camden, DE if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$2.79 one way
$5.57 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $3.05 | $6.10 |
| premium | $4.93 | $3.26 | $6.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $3.71 | $7.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5 | 0 | $1.76 | $0.81 |
| Efficient EV | 4.2 | 0 | $1.47 | $0.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.7 | 0 | $2.35 | $1.08 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Smyrna on Thursday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
Destination
Late night in Camden on Thursday
Local time
12:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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